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What You Need to Know About Shetland Pony Adoption

By Adopt-a-Pet.com

Where Do Adoptable Shetland Ponies Come From?
Shetland ponies for adoption are usually surrendered by their previous owners because of change in lifestyle, a lack of financial ability to maintain a pony, or the owner needs to find the Shetland pony a companion. Pony rescues work very hard to make sure ponies are healthy and polite with people before being made available for adoption. Rescues usually categorize ponies by; “unstarted” which means they to be need trained in order to be ridden, and typically these ponies are under 5 years. “Rideable,” and “Companion” ponies are the two categories for adult ponies. Shetland ponies are social creatures just like humans and must have social interactions with their own kind in order to be happy and healthy.

How Should I Prepare to Adopt a Pony?
Mostly you must be aware that every rescue’s goal is to find forever homes for all their ponies. This means that they will anticipate you are providing a home and safe atmosphere for the Shetland pony its entire life. Shetland ponies will need the right size stable and a big enough corral, paddock or pasture are key for your ponies to remain happy and healthy. What kind of housing is right for your pony depends on your climate, but all ponies have the same basic requirements - enough room to move around and lie down inside, enough space to graze & run outside, all areas kept clean & safe, and sufficient protection from sun, rain, and cold. You may be have barn and fenced pasture on your own land, or be boarding at a pony facility nearby. Shetland ponies are herd animals and take comfort in having at least one other pony friend, so keep that in mind if you are thinking of housing your newly adopted Shetland pony on your own property. Ponies are also grazing animals that naturally will walk on average 20 miles a day. Confining a Shetland pony to a small area where he can't move around can lead to many behavior and health problems. So where ever you keep your pony, make sure that both the barn, pastures and especially the fencing are safe, well-maintained, with plenty of room to move around - and that they have a pony friend or two! Above all you need to make the decision to adopt a Shetland pony with confidence, and consider how your lifestyle may change when owning a Shetland pony. Remember that ponies live long lives, an average of 30 years or more.

What Costs & Supplies Do Ponies Need?
The average cost of maintaining a pony is usually about $2,500 and up per year. Be prepared to provide; stall/corral rental, shoeing, veterinarian care including worming, vaccinations and any other needed medicines, salt/supplements, feed, hay, grooming supplies, blankets for different temperatures, and tack. Owning your own pony requires a serious investment in your time as well as money. Older Shetland ponies may need less exercise than younger ones, but they still require daily cleaning, feeding, and love! If you are boarding a Shetland pony, make sure to ask if the fee includes a daily mucking and turnout, or be prepared to spend at least an hour cleaning both your pony and their stall, in addition to the time needed to give them their daily exercise. Finally, ask the broader what supplies are included, such as buckets, feed, hay, and bedding, or if you will need to purchase and provide those.

Can I Get Involved with a Pony Rescue Without Adopting a Shetland Pony?

Sure. Volunteering at a local pony rescue is a great idea to help familiarize yourself with Shetland ponies without enduring the financial and time commitment of ownership. Shetland ponies Rescues and general pony recuses need volunteers, and this is an excellent way to understand what kind of pony temperament is best for you. You’ll also quickly become very knowledgeable about Shetland pony care, while satisfying your desire to enjoy time with Shetland ponies.

What is it Like to Adopt from a Pony Rescue?

A pony adoption rescue will request that you fill out an application, and come into the rescue to meet with a staff member to initiate the adoption process. While meeting, rescue volunteers will review the ponies within their organization and try to find one that will meet your lifestyle, and expectations. Anticipate that the rescue volunteers will inspect the new home you’re providing for the pony, they also will spend time with you and the pony so that it is clear you are getting along well with your potential adoptable pony. Usually adoption agencies will have a donation fee in the range of $600-$1,500. Sometimes rescue volunteers will perform follow-ups with you to make sure everything is going okay.

Why Pony Adoption a Better Option!

Shetland ponies within rescues have sometimes had periods of loneliness and hardship in their lives. Once taken in by a rescue they become forever thankful for an improved life alongside compassionate human caretakers and social activity with other ponies. Ponies available from Shetland pony breeders, and Shetland ponies for sale at large costs are no different or better than a Shetland pony for adoption at rescues. With care almost any pony has the potential to become an enriching companion. Please don’t buy a Shetland pony before looking into adoption. Here are several pony adoption success stories http://peoplehelpingponies.org/residents/success-stories/.

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